How to charge the iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Puerto Rico

A step-by-step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Puerto Rican power outlet with a USB 30 pin cable with a Type A USB adapter and how to charge the iPhone 3G using a three pin Type B USB charger.

Puerto Rican power outlet

Various combinations of standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning to travel to another country, especially if you've never visited before. This isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of sockets used in the world this guide tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPhone 3G in Puerto Rico. This guide was specifically written to stop visitors worrying if they can charge their iPhone 3G when they are visiting abroad.If you're going to Puerto Rico this page has useful instructions showing how to power the iPhone 3G using their standard types B or A Puerto Rican 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets, you will find most Puerto Ricans will normally use Type B sockets in their wall outlets. If the iPhone 3G charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Puerto Rico from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your iPhone 3G is a dual voltage device (you'll find these are normally indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Puerto Rico

Can you use the iPhone 3G in Puerto Rico?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Puerto Rico by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Puerto Rico?

If travelling to more than one country and bringing along more than just your iPhone 3G the best travel power adapter for Puerto Rico to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Puerto Ricans use (types B and A) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple travel adapters for your Puerto Rican trip. Because you are only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for an adaptable travel adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Puerto Rico

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Puerto Rico and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to Puerto Rico.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Puerto Rico. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3G in Puerto Rico?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Puerto Rican power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type A power adapter to charge the iPhone 3G from a Puerto Rican power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G from the Puerto Rican power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually include the USB cable when you first purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Insert the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Puerto Rican power outlet. This unearthed wall supply, technically known as the Type A power outlet [3], is recognised by the 2 slots next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Puerto Rican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 3G will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging taking between 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Puerto Rican power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Puerto Rican power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin cable with a Type B USB adapter to charge your iPhone 3G from a Puerto Rican power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Puerto Rican power outlet you'll need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Puerto Rican power outlet. This wall supply (sometimes called a Type B power outlet [6]) is recognised by the 2 slots with a semicircle shaped hole below for the earthed pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Puerto Rican power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3G screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPhone 3G from a Puerto Rican power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Puerto Rico
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  8. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..